I am very new to backpacking. I am currently researching and collecting gear (starting from nothing) and hope to have my first overnight trip in a couple of months.

There is a lot of information on the internet (especially youtube) about Personal Safety Kits (PSKs). These are often in the form of an altoid can.

Do backpackers really carry these small kits separately from the gear in their packs or do they just make sure they have backups for the essentials (light, fire starters, etc) with their other gear?